12. GEORGE JONES

The smooth countrypolitan sound often associated with Jones belies his strong Texas roots. He was born in Saratoga, raised in Beaumont and recorded his earliest singles in Houston on the Starday label. After a few stalled songs, he finally picked up steam with 1955’s “Why Baby Why.” Jones released more than 100 singles, from his duets with Tammy Wynette to “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” often cited as the best country song of all time. His drug and alcohol-fueled antics sometimes overshadowed his music. But it was all part of the package that guaranteed his legacy. “No matter how crazy he got, everybody still loved him,” George Strait said after Jones’ death.

Most Texas musical moment: Even though he was on a decline and disregarded by country-rock fans, Jones appeared at Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic in 1976 in Gonzales and handily stole the show.